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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Tolkien had decided that in order to create a new language he would also have to create what?

2. In 1917, Edith gave birth to a baby boy, John Francis Reuel; the name Francis as a tribute to whom?

3. What has been converted into an office?

4. Why did Edith and her cousin Jennie Grove move back to Cheltenham?

5. Whose words inspired Tolkien to write his great epic work?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mabel feel about Bloemfontein? How does she act in regards to her feelings? Why does she act this way?

2. What is odd about the Bloemfontein home?

3. Why did Edith live away from Ronald for a period of time?

4. What does Ronald think of Exeter College?

5. What happened to T.C.B.S. after graduation?

6. How did Edith feel when Ronald was called back to duty?

7. How does the Tolkien family end up in Leeds?

8. Why does Mabel plan a trip to England? Why is the trip postponed?

9. What does Humphrey Carpenter say about the Tolkiens in Part One of this book?

10. Why is Mabel worried about providing for her children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Challenges exist in the creation of THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

Part 1) Describe the creation of THE LORD OF THE RINGS. What was challenged about this?

Part 2) How are these challenges foreshadowed earlier in the book? How do these challenges both help and hurt Tolkien and his work?

Part 3) What do these challenges and obstacles reinforce, as well as reveal about Tolkien?

Essay Topic 2

After Edith's death, Tolkien moves back to Oxford.

Part 1) Describe the Tolkien's lives prior to Edith's death. How had it changed from earlier in their marriage? How did this change occur?

Part 2) Why does Tolkien decide to move back to Oxford after Edith's death? How has her death affected him? How does this effect compare to the effects made by his close friends who had passed away?

Part 2) Describe Tolkien's life after Edith's death. How does this part of his life compare to the rest of his life?

Part 3) How would you like to spend the last days of your life? Where would you like to spend this time? Why?

Essay Topic 3

A myriad of photographs were taken of and by the Tolkien family.

Part 1) What does the author say about these photographs? Why are these photographs useful to the writing of this book?

Part 2) What do the photographs reveal about the Tolkien family life and interests? How does their family life compare to your own?

Part 3) What do these photographs reveal about Tolkien himself? How does this reveal about the connection between Tolkien and the characters he creates, as well as the stories he tells?

(see the answer keys)

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